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Family Fiesta Returns These School Holidays with Antarctic Adventures for Kids
Are you looking for exciting things to do with kids during the July school holidays in Melbourne? Family Fiesta is back at Monash University Performing Arts Centres (MPAC) from 9 – 12 July 2025, with a jam-packed program of creative, hands-on fun for children and families.
This year, Family Fiesta will transport young explorers to the icy world of Antarctica, with a mix of live performances, immersive installations, and interactive workshops designed to ignite curiosity and spark imagination.
With support from Monash University’s environmental scientists at Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), kids will get the rare opportunity to meet real Antarctic researchers and experience science in action, alongside music, storytelling, theatre and art.
Enter below for your chance to WIN one of two double passes to see The Rockstar and the Krill on 9 July 2025 at 10am at The Count’s – The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts.
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Highlights from the 2025 Family Fiesta Program
ColdVoice by Playable Streets
9 – 12 July 2025
Create music using real ice instruments in a magical sound and light installation inside the David Li Sound Gallery. As the instruments slowly melt, families can compose chilly soundscapes in this one-of-a-kind sensory experience. Book a half-hour workshop with Playable Streets facilitators to compose your own soundscapes, or drop in for free play at the end of the day and let the adventure continue.
Tickets: Ticketed workshops – $15 (Ages 5 – 12 years): 11 – 11:30 am or 12:30 – 1 pm
Free drop-in play (All ages): 1:30 – 3 pm
The Rockstar and the Krill
9 – 12 July 2025
A climate cabaret for kids! Join a rebellious rockstar queen and a tap-dancing krill inside the belly of a whale in this wild underwater musical by Finucane & Smith. Expect interactive krill-making, eco-science, and plenty of deep-sea silliness. Best for ages 3-10 years.
Enter below for your chance to WIN one of two double passes to see The Rockstar and the Krill
Tickets: $15
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Into the Ice with Alison Lester & Coral Tulloch
10 July 2025
Join Alison Lester and Coral Tulloch – two of Australia’s most loved children’s author-illustrators – on an Antarctic adventure filled with live drawing, engaging stories, and insights into their latest book Into the Ice: Reflections on Antarctica. Discover tales of early explorers, modern-day adventurers, and the breathtaking beauty of the frozen continent. Stay after the session to meet Alison and Coral in person for a book signing from 12:15 pm to 12:45 pm. Ages 5-12 years.
Tickets: $15
The Very Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra with Sammy J
12 July 2025
Join comedian Sammy J and the Monash Classical Collective for a hilarious and heartwarming intro to orchestral music—with Antarctic flair! Expect classics like Flight of the Bumblebee and plenty of penguin fun.
Tickets: $15-$20
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Daily Free Entertainment & Treats
Enjoy live lunchtime music each day at The Count’s, with performances by:
JoysSoul Music – songs and storytelling
Fem Belling – jazz and storytime
Jessie Lloyd’s Mission Songs Project – Aboriginal songs and history
Petra Elliott – science-inspired songs for kids
Warm up with a free Blizzard Babyccino, or treat the kids to snow-themed goodies like iceberg white hot chocolate or snow gelato.
Interactive Installations and Workshops
Polar Camp
Meet real scientists just back from Antarctica. Try on expedition gear, hear their stories, and enjoy a playful performance by Barking Spider Creative.
Ice Play
Jump between pretend icebergs, listen to real Antarctic sounds, and spot model penguins and seals in this imaginative indoor landscape.
Precious Plastic
Kids can recycle old plastic into new souvenirs—like penguin keyrings—while learning about sustainability and reuse.
Cool Stuff with Scienceworks
Explore freezing temperatures and wild weather with hands-on experiments, including frozen bubbles and liquid nitrogen fun.
Penguin Parade
Watch out for Emperor Penguins waddling through the venue! These roaming performers love to dance, pose for photos, and share fun Antarctic facts.
Plan Your Visit
Dates: 9 – 12 July 2025
Venue: Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts, Monash University Clayton Campus, 48 Exhibition Walk, Clayton VIC 3168
Tickets: Free or up to $20
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WIN
Win 1 of 2 double passes to see The Rockstar and the Krill on 9 July 2025 at 10am at The Count’s – The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts.
Simply fill in your details below to enter.
The giveaway ends at midnight on Sunday 29 June 2025.
The winners will be announced on our Facebook page and emailed directly.
Good luck!
Terms and conditions
The winner will be notified by email and must claim their prize within 48 hours. Any prizes not claimed within 48 hours may be reallocated to another winner. Open to Australian Residents only. You must be aged 18 years or over to enter. Those who add their details on the above form and press submit by midnight Sunday 29 June 2025, will be entered into the competition. There are two double passes to be won. The double pass can only be used to see The Rockstar and the Krill on 9 July 2025 at 10am at The Count’s – The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts. The prize is non-transferable. In the event that Kiddiehood postpones or varies the competition prize, Kiddiehood will not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or personal injury suffered or sustained as a result of entering the competition. While Kiddiehood takes care to ensure all information relating to the Competition is correct, it does not warrant the accuracy of all information provided and will not be liable for any inaccuracy or error.
Good luck!
We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
